Abstract

In the present study, the diet of breeding sows was supplemented with 3000 mg respectively 2000 mg of vitamin C phosphate and/or with 750 mg respectively 500 mg of iron methionin daily from day 100 of gestation until birth. To investigate an effect on erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and other parameters blood samples were taken from the sows and their piglets. In summary, the supplementation of iron methionin resulted in the rise of some parameters relevant for the orign of an iron deficiency. The supplementation of vitamin C to the diet of breeding sows resulted in increased weight of piglets at birth. In all supplementated groups, increased levels of iron in the livers of piglets could be observed when compared with the control group.